Viennese Waltz Dance Lessons
Prepare for Ball Season in Our Group or Private Viennese Waltz Dance Classes
Perfect Your Viennese Waltz Technique with Expert-Led Viennese Waltz Lessons
Master the Viennese Waltz, From Your First Steps to Ballroom Elegance
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Victorian Viennese Waltz Dance Lessons at Our Warren Studio
The Viennese Waltz, as it is known today, was first danced by European royalty during the era of the Austrian composers, Johann Strauss I and Johann Strauss II (1800s). Viennese Waltz developed more directly from the Landler, the Deutscher, the Dreher, and the Schleifer. These were local folk dances in Bavaria and Austria in the 18th century. The hallmark charisma and social grace of Viennese Waltz are typical of that period of history, , making it one of the most elegant and romantic dances in the world. The Viennese Waltz became the only dance of that era that is still performed by the American public.
Viennese Waltz Music is Daring, Elegant, and Romantic
Waltz music eloquently expresses, the carefree gaiety of those bygone days that are so closely linked to Vienna, The Blue Danube and Strauss. The most startling innovation of the dance was the close proximity of the partners; so daring, it only became socially acceptable in Great Britain after it was danced publicly by Queen Victoria. It is a dance that requires a great deal of control and stamina, due mainly to the tempo of the music. Although it shares many similarities to the slow Waltz, it is danced at a much faster tempo, twice the speed of the slow Waltz.
International and American Style of Viennese Waltz
The Viennese Waltz is danced at competitions in both the International Standard and American Smooth Ballroom categories and remains a popular social dance in ballroom dance studios. International Style Viennese Waltz, also known as Victorian Viennese Waltz is danced exclusively in closed positions. Movements are limited to natural and reverse turns, change steps, Fleckerls, contra check, left whisk, and canter pivots.
On the other hand, American Style Viennese Waltz allows for both open and closed positions. Dancers have much more freedom, with a theatrical feel and fun interpretations. This style includes alternative holds, underarm turns, and side-by-side choreography.
Beginner Viennese waltz classes
Beginner Viennese waltz classes focus on building a strong technical foundation and introducing the dance’s essential movements. Students begin by developing correct posture and a stable partnership frame, learning how to maintain connection while dancing in a closed position. Our friendly instructors teach the fast 3/4 time signature (1-2-3, 1-2-3), helping students learn the rhythm and move with consistency. Rise and fall is introduced subtly, as the vertical movement in Viennese waltz is more restrained than in slow waltz.
The core steps include the natural turn, which rotates to the right (clockwise), and the reverse turn, which rotates to the left (counter-clockwise). Students also learn forward and backward change steps, closed changes that allow for transitions between turning directions and often involve a change of foot. Dancers can also learn a simplified box step to help dancers understand basic foot placement and rotation mechanics in a stationary setting before progressing to full movement around the floor.
Advanced Viennese waltz classes
Advanced classes refine and expand on the fundamentals, emphasizing technique, musicality, and more complex figures. Dancers develop clearer lead and follow skills, improved body mechanics, and stronger connection to support fluid movement at higher speeds. Instruction includes more refined use of sway and body shaping to add elegance, contrast, and dynamic expression. Dancers also deepen their understanding of musicality, learning to interpret phrasing, accents, and musical structure in their movement.
Advanced figures and variations include fleckerls, both natural and reverse, which are rapid, on-the-spot spinning turns requiring precise control. The contra check introduces dramatic shaping and directional changes, often used as a striking moment within a routine. Dancers explore more intricate versions of natural and reverse turns, incorporating pivots and advanced footwork patterns. Advanced classes also introduce styling and embellishments for both leaders and followers to add personal expression. Students work on combining figures and routines into longer, flowing sequences.
Viennese Waltz has Stood the Test of Time
The Viennese Waltz is a progressive and turning dance and features some figures that are danced in place. As you watch a dance floor full of Viennese Waltzers, you’ll feel as though people are flying in front of you. The dance is completed in a circular motion with dresses flaring. Rise and fall is used in the dance but differently than in other smooth dances. In Waltz and Foxtrot, a dancer will often rise above their normal standing height but in the Viennese Waltz that’s not done. Rise is created through the knees and body.
Group Classes and Private Dance Lessons are Available
Whether you are interested in wedding dance instruction, a new hobby or a way to connect with your partner, or want to take your dance skills to the next level, Fred Astaire’s teaching methods will result in faster learning rates, higher levels of achievement – and more FUN! Learn the basic steps with our wonderful instructors or prepare to fine tune your advanced dancing skills. Fred Astaire Dance Studios also hosts competitions and events all over the country, and these are great opportunities to watch dancers, hone skills, and make new friends.
Contact the Warren Fred Astaire Dance Studios – and be sure to ask about our special Introductory Offer for new students! The magic starts here and we welcome everybody to come take a lesson and have fun dancing.
Viennese Waltz dance lessons are available now. You’ll be on your way to confident dancing by the end of your very first dance!
Ballroom Dance Styles We Teach
Dancing is a great way to express your emotions. Hop on the dance floor and try a ballroom or Latin dance class with us. Get creative and have fun! To learn more about each type of dance and view a demonstration video, simply click on the dance style to learn more. Then give us a call at Fred Astaire Dance Studios, and be sure to ask about our money-saving introductory offer for new students. Together, we’ll get you started on your personal dance journey and make sure you leave each dance lesson feeling happy and more confident with your dancing skills!
Classes are available for students of all skill levels – from beginners to advanced and all ages. Adults and children are welcome! Fred Astaire ballroom dance lessons are fun, exciting, and a great way to express yourself.
Our exceptional staff is ready to take your dancing journey to the next level. Sign up for an intro class!